MSR Elixir 2 Tent with Footprint

What We Think

MSR built the Elixir 2 for campers who want a tent that can handle years of abuse without babying, and that philosophy shows in every design choice.

This dome-style shelter scored a 7.8 overall, earning its keep through genuine durability and weather protection rather than ultralight bragging rights.

The included footprint sweetens the deal at $340, a price point where many competitors charge extra for floor protection.

User Reviews

Owner feedback on the Elixir 2 is remarkably consistent, earning a 9.0 in User Reviews.

The most common praise centers on those vertical walls, which owners say create noticeably more headroom than the sloped designs typical of backpacking tents.

Color-coded clips get repeated mentions for making setup intuitive, with several owners noting they pitched the tent correctly on their first attempt without consulting instructions.

The recurring theme in negative reviews is weight: at 6 pounds 3 ounces, owners who expected to backpack with this tent often wish they'd gone lighter.

Quality & Durability

The 68D fly fabric is meaningfully burlier than the 20D or 30D materials you'll find on ultralight competitors, and owners who've used this tent season after season consistently confirm it holds up to scrapes, snags, and general campsite wear.

The 70D taffeta nylon floor with 3000mm polyurethane coating is serious protection against moisture wicking through from wet ground.

MSR's 3-year limited warranty backs the build quality, though the materials themselves suggest this tent will outlast that coverage.

Quality & Durability scored an 8.0.

Weather Resistance

The 1500mm hydrostatic head rating on the rainfly handles sustained rain confidently, not just passing showers.

MSR's StayDry rain gutters over the doors are a thoughtful detail that prevents the annoying drip-into-the-tent problem when you're unzipping during a storm.

Two large vestibules totaling 24 square feet give you real covered space for muddy boots and wet packs.

Weather Resistance scored an 8.0.

Ease of Use

Setup runs 5 to 10 minutes with the color-coded clip system, which is slower than instant-pitch designs but faster than many traditional pole-sleeve tents.

Glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls are a small touch that matters at 2 AM.

The aluminum pole structure is straightforward and forgiving for newer campers.

Ease of Use scored an 8.0.

Space & Comfort

Here's where the Elixir 2 asks you to accept a tradeoff: the 29 square feet of floor space and 41-inch peak height are livable for one person, but this is marketed as a two-person tent.

Two adults will fit, but you'll be friendly about it.

The vertical walls do maximize usable space better than tapered designs, and built-in gear lofts plus tech-friendly pockets help organize the interior.

Space & Comfort scored a 7.0.

Value for Money

At $340 with a footprint included, the Elixir 2 sits in a competitive middle ground.

The Kelty Late Start 2 costs half as much at $160 and weighs less at 4 pounds 8 ounces, but it won't match the Elixir's durability over multiple seasons.

If you're counting grams for serious trail miles, the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL 2 at $500 drops weight to 2 pounds 8 ounces, though you'll sacrifice the Elixir's tank-like build quality.

Value for Money scored a 7.0.

Who It's For

The Elixir 2 fits car campers and weekend backpackers who prioritize a tent that will last years over one that disappears in their pack.

If you're hiking serious miles, this isn't your tent.

If you want a durable basecamp for drive-in sites or short approaches, it delivers.

Solo campers who want extra room should also look at the MSR Elixir 1, while groups of three can step up to the Elixir 3.

The Bottom Line

The MSR Elixir 2 scored a 7.8 by being honest about what it is: a durable, weather-ready shelter that trades trail weight for longevity.

The 6-pound heft is real, and you shouldn't ignore it.

But if your camping style involves more driving than hiking, this tent will outlast cheaper alternatives and keep you dry doing it.